Russian scientists are calling for a 10-year moratorium on GMOs to thoroughly study their influence on human health, stressing that such examinations are vital.

"It is necessary to ban GMO, to impose moratorium [on it] for
10 years. While GMO will be prohibited, we can plan experiments,
tests, or maybe even new methods of research could be
developed,” vice president of Russia’s National Association
for Genetic Safety, Irina Ermakova, told Interfax news agency.

According to her, there have not been enough sufficient studies
on GMO influence on human health to allow for a wide introduction
of genetically modified food on the market.

However, scientists say that most studies prove that such food
comes along with dangerous side effects.

“It has been proved that not only in Russia, but also in many
other countries in the world, GMO is dangerous. Methods of
obtaining the GMO are not perfect, therefore, at this stage, all
GMOs are dangerous," Ermakova said.

She went on to explain that one of the techniques uses
tumor-causing soil bacteria.

"Consumption and use of GMOs obtained in such way can lead to
tumors, cancers and obesity among animals," Ermakova said.

She added that doctors have seen a surge of diabetes and cancer
in regions where residents have consumed larger amounts of
GMO-containing food.

"Biotechnologies certainly should be developed, but GMO
should be stopped. [We] should stop it from spreading,”
Ermakova added.

In September, Russia endorsed the Rules for the State
Registration of GMO and GMO-containing Products. The law enforces
compulsory registration of all products containing GM components.

Also in September, Russian authorities temporarily suspended the
import and sale of Monsanto’s genetically modified corn after a
French study suggested it may be linked to cancer. Russian Prime
Minister Dmitry Medvedev ordered regulatory agencies to consider
a possible ban on all GMO imports into Russia.